News

Apple and The Beatles form new trademark agreement

By LC Angell ● Monday, February 5, 2007

Apple Inc. and The Beatles’ Apple Corps said today that they have ended their ongoing trademark dispute and have entered into a new agreement over the use of the Apple name. Under the new agreement, which replaces one from 1991, Apple Inc. will own all of the trademarks related to “Apple” and will license certain trademarks back to Apple Corps. The companies said the terms of settlement are confidential. Apple Inc. won a trademark lawsuit brought on by Apple Corps last year, with a UK judge ruling that the company could continue using its logo on the iTunes Store.

“We love the Beatles, and it has been painful being at odds with them over these trademarks,” said Apple CEO Steve Jobs. “It feels great to resolve this in a positive manner, and in a way that should remove the potential of further disagreements in the future.” Neil Aspinall, manager of Apple Corps said, “It is great to put this dispute behind us and move on. The years ahead are going to be very exciting times for us. We wish Apple Inc. every success and look forward to many years of peaceful co-operation with them.”

Update: We’ve posted an Editorial discussing the potential impact of the new agreement.

Comments

1

Apple Corps said, “It is great to put this dispute behind us and move on. The years ahead are going to be very exciting times for us.”

I hope this means the Beatles are finally going to make it to iTunes:-)

Posted by gbendana on February 5, 2007 at 9:37 AM (CST)

1

I think Apple and The Beatles should be paying Sir Issac Newton for the use of the name Apple.

Posted by Dr Manhattan on February 5, 2007 at 9:58 AM (CST)

1

or Sir Isaac Newton…

Posted by Dr Manhattan on February 5, 2007 at 10:02 AM (CST)

1

Eve was the first person to popularize apples, maybe she should be awarded the trademarks.

Posted by Mozez on February 5, 2007 at 10:22 AM (CST)

1

Well, the serpant popularized the apple - Eve was just the first consumer…

Which I guess means that Apple is demonic.

Posted by Booyah on February 5, 2007 at 10:28 AM (CST)

1

Sorry, The Bible says nothing about an apple. Someone just assumed it was an apple. Bum rap.

Posted by Avalon0387 on February 5, 2007 at 10:39 AM (CST)

1

Now make up and release a Beatles edition iPod.

Posted by Chris on February 5, 2007 at 11:04 AM (CST)

1

I’m jazzed for an 80GB “Love-themed” Special Edition Beatles iPod.

Posted by Galley on February 5, 2007 at 11:11 AM (CST)

1

Yes, U2 is fine, but it’s time to move on. Apple should do like pen makers and change the special edition every year.

What color should a Beatles iPod be? It’s not like there could be “The White iPod.”

I personally would like to see a Miles Davis one in a dark shade of blue.

Posted by Dness on February 5, 2007 at 1:09 PM (CST)

1

It would have to a granny smith green ipod or psychedelic one that would be cool.

Posted by STEVEN BATES on February 5, 2007 at 1:15 PM (CST)

1

“we look forward to many years of peaceful co-operation with them”

Co-operation and cooperation are two different things. Is this just a British/American lost in translation kinda thing or was this a purposeful statement that now the two companies will live at peace seperate and apart?

Just wondering.

Posted by micheal on February 5, 2007 at 2:46 PM (CST)

1

What about a yellow waterproof iPod to celebrate?

Posted by mountkeen on February 5, 2007 at 3:02 PM (CST)

1

What a great opportunity for Apple to hold a “One More Thing” special event.

The simultaneous announcement of the entire Beatles catalog (including movies and music videos) on iTunes along with the new widescreen 6G iPod with touchscreen UI.

Scooter

Posted by ScooterD35 on February 5, 2007 at 5:18 PM (CST)

1

Yes!! A yellow, water-proof iPod. I can see it!

Posted by Dness on February 5, 2007 at 5:33 PM (CST)

1

I look forward to new mix of Beatles catalog as well. I wonder if this is still as plan. Anyone knows?

Posted by Oliver on February 5, 2007 at 11:41 PM (CST)

1

Avalon0387, you took the words right out of my mouth. Genesis* is likely allegorical anyway.

Yeah, I reckon a Beatles+iTunes deal is in the works. I don’t necessarily love The Beatles but the consequence of a deal (temporary or not) will be awesome to behold.